There’s a reason why watches are among some of the most coveted accessories on the luxury market. Not only do the top brands command significant status for the owner, but a good and well-made watch rarely depreciates in its price and value, with most of the top brands exercising incredible investment potential according to model, exclusivity, and condition.
In this article, we’re sharing some of the top luxury watch brands to research and invest in if you want to own a tangible product which is likely to appreciate in value – but first, why are watches such a popular product for investment buyers?
Why are watches so popular with investors?
If you can identify and find an authentic watch, manufactured by one of the top luxury brands, ideally from one of its more exclusive collections, then the investment potential is huge.
Vintage models in particular drive consistently good prices at auction and on the resale market, with the exclusive and rare nature of these timepieces serving to drive demand skywards among both watch collectors and investment buyers. This is especially potent given the modern innovation and integration of technology on the modern watch market, which means that the timeless classics are becoming rarer and more difficult to find.
What to look for in a luxury investment watch
The most coveted luxury watches are those which combine the quality mechanisms of function and practicality, with timeless style. As such, if you’re looking for a watch with excellent investment potential, you need to be searching for the pieces which were designed and created with some form of innovation in mind – be it the Rolex affinity for practical sports and activity watches, or the use of quality materials and coveted features across the Patek Philippe range.
The aesthetic of a watch and its suitability to different settings is what drives buyer demand skywards, with famous faces helping to secure the status of some of the top luxury brands as coveted, popular timepieces. James Bond, for example, is an excellent advocate for the Rolex brand with Daniel Craig famously sporting a Rolex watch in the movies.
With that said, what are some of the top luxury watch brands that share the market with Rolex?
The top luxury watch brands to invest in
Rolex
It will come as no surprise to you to find that this watch brand is top of the list. Not only does Rolex boast one of the biggest and most famous names in the watch industry, but its quality and diverse range of timepieces mean that there is a model and a design to suit every preference and buyer.
An authentic Rolex watch can attract and garner huge interest on the resale market, with brand new Rolex watches and releases enjoying vast waiting lists and the kind of demand which only serves to drive the price and value of every piece higher.
In terms of an investment, Rolex owes its status to the quality craftsmanship, to the famous faces that endorse the brand on virtually a daily basis, and to the intricate detail which goes into ensuring that every watch collection is innovative and ahead of its time. For example, Rolex pioneered the first waterproof watch and boasts collections designed for divers, race car drivers, and other sportsmen.
Patek Philippe
When it comes to luxury and refined quality, there is no brand better than Patek Philippe. The high value of a Patek Philippe watch has remained consistent throughout the brand’s long history, owing in large part to the handcrafted designs and the prestige which has surrounded the brand for over 150 years.
In addition to the quality with which every individual watch is made, Patek Philippe is known for manufacturing its own movements and mechanisms in-house, giving every watch the kind of unique status that only serves to increase its value.
Audemars Piguet
Though perhaps not as well known as the previous two brands, Audemars Piguet deserves its place as one of the most valuable luxury watch brands in the world. The Royal Oak is its most famous collection and design, with the limited quantity of every collection helping to bolster the demand of each model – and raising its investment potential exponentially.
All of the aforementioned brands offer high investment value for those who can afford to buy them – however, with high status comes a sharp increase in the number of fakes available. That’s why, when dealing with luxury watches and other goods, it is important to always ensure you see a certificate of authentication prior to purchase and only buy from reputable resellers.
All of the aforementioned brands offer high investment value for those who can afford to buy them – however, with high status comes a sharp increase in the number of fakes available. That’s why, when dealing with luxury watches and other goods, it is important to always ensure you see a certificate of authentication prior to purchase and only buy from reputable resellers. For those who are interested in alternative options, it is important to understand the difference between authentic and replica watches to avoid the pitfalls of counterfeit items.
